§ 96. Mr. KERRasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the capture of the Reverend Henry Ferguson by bandits in Anhui; and whether he has taken any steps in co-operation with the Chinese Government to effect Mr. Ferguson's release?
§ Mr. EDENMr. Ferguson was captured by Communists on or about 17th May. In response to pressure by the representative of His Majesty's Minister at Nanking, the Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs promised to do all they could to secure Mr. Ferguson's release, and suggested that the presence of a British Vice-Consul might assist the local authorities. Mr. Vice-Consul Graham was accordingly sent from Nanking, and I regret to say that while on his way to the scene of Mr. Ferguson's capture he was slightly wounded by a shot fired by a Chinese soldier. His Majesty's Minister has instructed his representative at Nanking to press the Minister for Foreign Affairs to take urgent action for the punishment of the offender. The local agent of the Famine Relief Commission has received a report that Mr. Ferguson has been released, but the report lacks definite confirmation as yet.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that these attacks on and disappearances of British subjects in China are becoming too frequent?
§ Mr. EDENMy hon. Friend may be sure that the Government view these incidents with the greatest anxiety.